sixto, I read your post again. So if the pressure is lower because the air is cooler and denser, you could then bump up the boost a little, right?

Theoretically you can get more air into the cylinders at the same boost level with an intercooler. You don't have to raise boost over the factory level to get more air. I suppose raising the boost level is then a double whammy.

On one hand I read that without additional fuel you won't make more power. So running lean is not a problem. On the other hand I read that running lean is a problem even with Diesels. I need to do more research.

If I want speed, I take the SE.

Sixto
91 300SE
81 300SD

Hmm, could it be used to get better fuel economy in a diesel? Let me know what you find out about running lean.

You could then adjust your injection pump (well, somehow) to squirt in a little more fuel......

Interesting!

-m

I didn't mean that I was going to do more research :p If I do any research, it will be on how to spin the compressor housing so I can fit an intercooler in the first place. The folks at www.turbochargers.com or www.majesticturbo.com might know.

Lots of threads on how to add more fuel by adjusting the ALDA.

Sixto
91 300SE
81 300SD

Feeding cooler air into the intake will raise engine temp not lower it. The cooler denser air will result in a more efficient and hotter combustion. Not enough that the radiator can't handle it though. After removing the EGR and blowby from my intake, the air is so much cooler that you can lay your hand on the intake crossover pipe after a long run and it is not hot to the touch at all. Engine temp went up and I bypassed the 2 speed electric fans to come on on high only. Intercooler is a good idea and I have thought about it but I think it is too much trouble and I don't think the 350 engine would take it. It is near its max already.

I'm going to go look at a SDL today, see what's happening under the hood.

Man, I don't know if I'd do anything to that 350. Hate to add some extra stress and bend your rods.

-m

I thought you sold your SDL?

Yeah, looking at another one. I like to change cars every year or so. It's kind of this problem I have. :D

Can't decide, SDL or 240D stick. No turbo to play with on the 240D, but it's a stick.

-m

Well put Sixto, and when the piston, on the upstroke compresses that larger mass of air, and if the injection pump has been adjusted to put in a bit more fuel, the engine thinks it is right up there with the big boys.

All things on the engine remainging the same, intercooled engines do run just a little warmer on sustained high power runs. This is because of the above.

Rob

So, would one get more power from adding an intercooler and not raising the boost? From what you said, I'd say the answer was yes.

Raising the amount of boost is not necessary, however adding additional fuel to take advantage of the greater volume of air in the cylinder is necessary to produce more power. Remember, just introducing more air does not produce more heat within the cylinder, to do this requires fuel in the proper proportion to make a nice burn.

Rob